Interference Has Become the Traditional Approach of Turkish Diplomacy: Armenian Ambassador to Egypt

The Armenian Ambassador to Egypt, Karen Grigoryan, spoke about Turkey's role in the recent clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan during an interview with the newspaper "Al-Akhbar".

What is the assessment from the Armenian side regarding Turkey's statements on the clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan?

Turkey has continuously played a severely negative role in the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, supporting the actions of the Azerbaijani authorities aimed at destabilizing the situation along the border with Armenia and the line of contact with Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkish officials, including the president and ministers of foreign affairs and national defense, have issued a series of statements regarding the recent military provocations by the Azerbaijani armed forces. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it will continue to support Azerbaijan by all means. The Ministry of Defense has confirmed that Turkey will continue to provide all possible assistance and support to its closest ally Azerbaijan in operations against Armenia based on the principle of "one nation, two states".

To understand what is happening in the South Caucasus, everyone must remember that Turkey and Azerbaijan act in close coordination in all directions. The statements not only contain unconditional support for Azerbaijan but also demonstrate Turkey's overt ambitions in the South Caucasus, which the Turkish president and other officials try to materialize by referring to Turkey's "historical mission" in the region.

The fact is that Turkey supports Azerbaijan's reckless militarism. Interference in conflicts in neighboring regions has become a traditional approach of Turkish diplomacy. By circulating its historical mission and ethnic or religious affiliations, Turkey has already destabilized the situation in several neighboring regions, including the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean, and North Africa, causing unimaginable suffering to the people living in these areas.

Moreover, Turkey's provocative and biased stance seriously disrupts the peaceful resolution process of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and confirms that Turkey cannot be involved in any international initiatives aimed at resolving the issue, especially within the framework of the OSCE.

Armenia strongly condemns Turkey's attempts to spread instability in our region and affirms that it will continue to work constructively towards maintaining and reinforcing international and regional peace, closely cooperating with international partners in this direction.

Do you consider Turkey's statements as a response to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the U.S., France, and other countries, where Armenia has achieved success?

I believe that the issue is broader, and Turkey's hostile attitude is not merely a reaction to the recognition of the genocide by any particular country. In the case of Armenian statehood, Turkey's hostile policy has different foundations. Despite Armenia's attempts to normalize relations between the two countries, diplomatic relations have not been established, and Armenia's illegal blockade continues. And today, in the 21st century, the Turkish leadership builds its policy in our region based on alliances with Azerbaijan, legitimizing the Armenian Genocide and the impunity of the crime.

Unfortunately, the anti-Armenian policy is clearly part of the joint Turkish-Azerbaijani strategic perception.

Addressing the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by various countries, I would like to note that this is a natural and important process that is valued not only by Armenia but by the entire civilized world. The recognition of genocide is a preventive measure against future genocides. Of course, Turkey reacts to every case of recognition, as it shakes the foundations of Turkish statehood, which is flooded with blood.

Has Turkey's military assistance to Azerbaijan been documented to escalate the conflict with Armenia?

Karen Grigoryan: Yes, we have evidence, and this is not a one-time assistance. The existence of full military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey is an undeniable fact. In this regard, I would like to return to the so-called "historical mission" in the region. What does this mean for Armenia? It is very clear. Considering the lessons of history—genocide, wars against the First Republic of Armenia from 1918 to 1920, unfulfilled plans for the invasion of Armenian territories during World War II, and the current reality of economic blockade, unconditional support for Azerbaijan, the fulfillment of Turkey's "historical mission" means the annihilation of Armenian statehood and the Armenian people.

Media reports indicate that Turkey's support for Azerbaijan is related to its disagreement with Russia on certain issues, especially since Russia and Armenia are bound by numerous economic, political, and military agreements. How do you comment on this?

Of course, we cannot discuss regional developments without paying attention to the international situation. Russia is Armenia's closest ally, a traditional ally with a very heavy and complex history of relations with Turkey. In recent years, Ankara's expansionist policy has shown that Turkey is using every tool, every opportunity to extend its influence, seemingly attempting to restore the Ottoman Empire. It is evident that the Turkish leadership's policy poses a threat to the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and the South Caucasus is often referred to as neo-Ottomanism.

Are Azerbaijan's attempts to establish control over Nagorno-Karabakh opposed to the will of the local population?

Karen Grigoryan: I would like to emphasize that Nagorno-Karabakh is not a territory but an independent country with all vital attributes for a state—population, territory, government, and sovereignty. This region, known as Artsakh, was part of historical Armenia—it was the 10th province of historical Armenia. Armenians have lived in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh for over 2500 years. The current phase of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict began in the late 1980s when Azerbaijani authorities aimed to expel the Armenian majority from the region. Even then, throughout the entire Soviet period, Azerbaijan implemented a policy of deporting Armenians from the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Nagorno-Karabakh. In the first case, it was successful; in the latter, it failed. It is important to note that before the collapse of the Soviet Union, on December 10, 1991, the population of Nagorno-Karabakh declared the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh through a referendum, fully aligning with the letter and spirit of the then USSR constitution. Consequently, two equal sovereign state units were established within Soviet Azerbaijan: the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Thus, the clear will of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh was expressed through the aforementioned referendum. The war between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh broke out due to Azerbaijan's decision to wage war. Today, the population of Nagorno-Karabakh is convinced that the day Azerbaijan establishes control over their country, they will lose everything, including their lives. There is no other option but to defend their freedom.

In relation to the clashes with Azerbaijan, what support does Armenia expect from its international friends, including Egypt?

We have our own capabilities for defense. Armenia is also a member of the CSTO, and it's worth noting our cooperation with NATO and many other partners. Armenia has quite a few partners within the international community, and certainly, Egypt is one of the important friends. We are grateful to all friends and partners for their support and cooperation.

What role do Armenians in Egypt play in strengthening the relations between Egypt and Armenia?

Karen Grigoryan: The Armenian community in Egypt has existed for centuries. After the Armenian Genocide, Egypt became a new homeland for thousands of Armenians who managed to survive the catastrophe. Egypt's hospitality and the constructive role of Armenians on Egyptian soil have intertwined the fates of our peoples. Even today, in this era of digital technology, the Armenian community serves as a trusted mediator in Armenian-Egyptian relations. This is a bond that enriches both Armenia and Egypt economically and culturally.